Simon Properties announced on Tuesday that nine of its Southern California retail centers have reopened. In San Diego, that includes Fashion Valley, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, and Las Americas Premium Outlets. The company is also reopening centers in Orange County, the Inland Empire, and Ventura County.
Simon started closing their Southern California malls in early March in response to the coronavirus crisis, and their May 26 opening comes just days before competitor Westfield Centers reopens their University Town Center (UTC), Mission Valley, North County, and Plaza Bonita locations in San Diego.
Simon will be putting an increased emphasis on each of their center's cleanliness, including enhanced sanitization and disinfecting. For shoppers, they will be making protective masks, sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizing stations available. For employees they will perform pre-emptive health screenings, close or reconfigure high-traffic areas and add more signage promoting social distancing
In a statement, Marc Smith, general manager of Ontario Mills said, “Our property is an integral part of our community not only in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment, but also job creation, small business growth and community support. We look forward to once again serving the needs of our community, and doing so in a safe and responsible manner."